This month we continue with stories of printers and graphic arts professionals helping their customers help themselves.

Trade organizations are important to our industry, yet many of their fine efforts often go unheralded. Here is just one example of an industry association helping ALL its members help themselves, and indeed the entire printing industry, by creating a helpful case-study video based on one member's step-by-step success in sustainability.

Hallmark's purchase of the subscription-based online video service is designed to expand and enhance the digital presence and capabilities of its renowned brand.

The cloud-based e-commerce software solution gives printers the ability to market their services and products more cost-efficiently using the internet.

We continue from last month with more actual examples of printers and graphic arts professionals helping their existing clients with innovative solutions that result in more business and revenue for both parties. Watch for more examples of problem solving next month.

A new company called Collector's Edition has launched a product that takes your Twitter feeds and prints them on four rolls of toilet paper for $35.

The unaddressed admail offer is available only in the months of January, February, June, July, August and December.

Businesses on a limited budget have an alternative to create free designs and other marketing materials with HP's free online software at marketsplash.com.

In the late 1970's, one of my favourite television shows was the American sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati. The character I remember most was Herbert Ruggles (Herb) Tarlek Jr., played by actor Frank Bonner. Herb was the epitome of bad salesmanship, characterized by his boorish and tasteless approaches to clients. To complete his baboonish portrait, he wore loud plaid suits, with a belt that matched his white shoes.

After mapping out your strategies (outlined in last two issues) and sharing your ideas with your most promising clients, you should review your client list on a regular basis and target individuals you think you can help the most. Now that you know something about their goals and objectives, come at them with some bold new ideas to grow or improve their businesses – and your bottom line! Here are some great examples:

It seems that an American firm has been awarded the multi-million-dollar contract to print the tickets for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, and the Brits are not too pleased about it. Arkansas firm Weldon, Williams & Lick got the job to print up to 11 million tickets -- a move that UK businesses are heavily criticizing.